Over 50 Maryland breweries submitted 300 unique beers to the 2022 Maryland Craft Beer Competition. A panel of judges reviewed, assessed and awarded entries in 20 different style categories, with MoCo beers taking home first place awards in seven categories. The overall competition was won by Olde Mother Brewing Co. from Frederick, with their Callisto Oatmeal Stout receiving top honors. Below you’ll see the MoCo beers that won awards:

Other MoCo beers from places like True Respite (Rockville), Denizens (Silver Spring), Brookeville Beer Farm (Brookeville) also placed in the competition. Full results can be seen here.


UPDATE: Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a call in the area of Fields Road Elementary School in Gaitherburg at approximately 7:20am on Tuesday morning.  Two pedestrians were struck by a driver on School Drive (near Muddy Branch Rd). Both  patients were transported to the hospital with priority 1 trauma (life-threatening injuries) according to MCFRS Public Information Officer Pete Piringer.

According to Gaithersburg Police, School Drive is closed but voters can still park and vote at Fields Road Elementary School if they enter from Muddy Branch Road side. Drivers are also advised to seek alternate routes.


ALDI is currently running a “Thanksgiving Price Rewind”  now through November 29 at all of its locations. The grocery chain is matching 2019 prices, up to a 30% discount,  on holiday food items marked with a red sticker. “Think favorites like brie cheese, prosciutto, cornbread stuffing, award-winning wines, mini quiches, fresh brown-and-serve rolls, macarons and apple pie, to name a few. Shoppers can look for the Thanksgiving Price Rewind icon in their local ad and throughout the store for extra savings,” the company said in a press release.  Aldi has MoCo locations in Gaithersburg, Germantown, Kensington, Montgomery Village, Rockville, Silver Spring, and Takoma Park.


Brews & Barrels opened its first location in Gaithersburg’s Kentlands neighborhood in February 2020. Just over two and a half years later, a second Brews & Barrels is set to open at 9433 Common Brook Rd at Owings Mills New Town. It will be taking over the location that was formerly home to Artful Gourmet Bistro. Signage has been erected, but a specific opening date is not currently available.

The restaurant offers American fare, including crab cakes, various salads, burgers, sandwiches, and more. At the bar, whiskey and beer are featured prominently, but they carry spirits in every category. The restaurant group also owns the recently opened Creek Lodge Bar & Grill in Rockville and Vine Alley, also located in the Kentlands.


One person has been arrested after an assault that that occurred last night in Gaithersburg.  According to the Gaithersburg Police Department, “on Friday, November 4, 2022 at approximately 10:36 p.m., police responded to the Gaithersburg Police station for the report of an assault that just occurred.  On-scene investigation revealed that the victim and known suspect were involved in a verbal argument that escalated into a physical altercation. During the physical altercation, the victim sustained a laceration to their hand.

Officers were able to locate the original scene of the incident in the area of MD-355 and Peony Drive. While on-scene, officers located the suspect, placed him under arrest and transported him to the Central Processing Unit.  The victim was transported to a local hospital for follow-up care. “


In her shop, you can find over a dozen local artisans’ work, making her support for local artists in Montgomery County unmatched.  Linda brings joy to her studio and her passion for creativity has inspired so many.  Something Earthy Pottery has become a haven to hundreds of potters in the last 20 years and they are excited to celebrate Linda’s anniversary on Saturday at 24410 Hipsley Mill Road, Laytonsville from 12-7. Stop by to enjoy holiday gifts from over 40 vendors plus food and drinks from a variety of vendors.


The patriotic ceremony will include words and music to commemorate the occasion, followed by a solemn wreath-laying ceremony. City officials & members of local veterans groups will be on hand to honor those who have served in all branches of the military. The ceremony will begin with a Presentation of Colors. Junior Mayor Loriele Nix will lead the Pledge of Allegiance & 2020 Young Artist Award winner Chloe Jackson will sing the National Anthem. The Gaithersburg High School Jazz Ensemble will perform patriotic music & Gaithersburg High School Band member Marli Banner will play “Taps.” A reception with refreshments will immediately follow the ceremony in the City Hall Gallery.

Joining the observance will be special guest speaker Colonel Jeff Marquez, United States Army (Retired). Colonel Marquez retired after serving 30 years in the United States Army culminating at the National Security Council as Senior Director for Response Policy (Acting) & Director for Continuity Policy. Having served overseas & stateside, from the Pentagon & combat zones to the White House, Colonel Marquez now uses his skills and experience to help leaders & organizations be better. During his years of service, Colonel Marquez held leadership & staff assignments in the field artillery & led organizations in Army Major Commands, Army Staff, Joint Commands, & at the White House.


A consolidated joint public hearing is scheduled for November 7, 2022 at 7:30 pm in the City Call Council Chambers, 31 South Summit Avenue. Comments on this application may be mailed to 31 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD, 20877 or emailed to [email protected]. New exhibits were recently added to the project documents on the City of Gaithersburg website.

Additional information from our previous report: One Central LLC has submitted a schematic development plan that proposes 72 stacked townhouse (2-over-2) units along with green amenity space in Gaithersburg. Per the plans submitted to the City of Gaithersburg, the Property is located at the northeast quadrant of the intersection of Central Avenue with South Frederick Avenue. Nearby and vicinal uses (on the north) include the Devol Funeral Home and surface parking lot; (on the west) South Frederick Avenue; (on the south) single family housing structures believed occupied by office/employment use;, and (on the east) Unity of Gaithersburg Church, Rockville Evangelical Church, and single family residential.


Lilly Magilly’s Cupcakery, located at 220 Boardwalk Place at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg for over a decade, has announced that it will be closing on November 20th. A new storefront has been announced, but the exact location of where it will be is not yet available. The full message from Lilly Magilly’s can be seen below:

Big news! We’re Moving!! After 12 years, Lilly Magilly’s last day at 220 Boardwalk Place will be November 20, 2022.


Chicago based Aloha Poke Co. has announced that it will be opening a Gaithersburg location sometime in 2023.  Aloha is a fast-casual style restaurant that serves “fresh-packed and tasty bowls filled with sushi-grade fish and Hawaiian-inspired raw ingredients.” Franchise operator Mary Grace Barnebey is currently considering several options for the location, according to a report by WTOP.  Aloha has area locations at 1333 19th St and 50 Massachusetts Ave in NW, Washington, DC.

“Delicious and healthy are two things I aim to provide my family in every meal,” said Barnebey in a press release. “When I decided to bring Aloha Poke Co. to our community, I knew that the menu needed to be aligned with the way I think about taste and nutrition. I also like the franchise support system and the brand’s cornerstone belief of in fast, beautiful, sustainable foods. I am proud to that Aloha Poke Co. will dramatically expand our community’s access to health-minded food options.”


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